Book #2 from the series: The Desert Pines Mystery Series

Rapid Death (The Desert Pines Mystery Series Book Two)

A Small Town Cozy Mystery

About

An empty raft, with no oars. A missing girl, with no past. And an unwilling amateur sleuth...with absolutely no clue.

After a year marked by murder and mayhem, Dr. Jane McLaren is ready for a little normality. Life may not be perfect, but between two careers, good friends, and more than enough family, she finally has everything she needs to stay out of trouble.

Things aren’t always as they appear, though. Not even in the sleepy resort town of Desert Pines, Oregon, where the bodies are stacking up again like so much cordwood.

Jane is called out to examine the body of an unpopular whitewater rafting guide, whose murky identity and odd behavior have sparked an almost supernatural dread in the residents of Desert Pines. Faced with an increasingly hair-raising mystery, Jane must partner with Detective Joe Connor once more to catch a killer. But can she solve the case before anyone else gets hurt? Or will her own trauma get between her and the truth?

Fast-paced and twisty, Rapid Death delivers a tight mystery, non-stop fun, and a heartwarming look at what it means to stop outrunning the past and face the present–just as it is. 

Praise for this book

This story will hook you right from the start, its complex plot, with all the clues gradually weaving together as the book romps toward a surprising ending. This is one of the twistiest stories I have ever read, but it is still easy to read and follow, and you’ll love getting to know the characters – some of them will leave an indelible impression on you. A highly enjoyable story, but I would recommend reading it in context with the first book in the series.

The author excels at establishing a cozy tone and makes the genre feel like a breath of fresh air. The lightness helps keep the story from becoming too serious though it does maintain genuine emotion that makes you care about the mystery. This is a highly recommended read and will make for the perfect addition to a cozy mystery lover's bookshelf. Rapid Death is humorous and charming with delightful characters and amazing writing that will keep you turning the pages.

Julie Titterington has crafted a plot so convoluted that it throws the reader off balance with every twist. The moment I would predict something, more evidence would come along and prove my assumptions wrong! However, as I read on, seemingly disjointed puzzle pieces fell into place, revealing the intricate mystery. The hint of an unstated romance made the read even more enjoyable. I recommend Rapid Death to anyone who loves a stimulating mystery.